Pharmacy Day at the Capitol: Student Pharmacists Give More and Get More

by Amy Parker, 2015 Pharm.D. candidate, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy

MPA Student Pharmacist Executive Council members from Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Pictured, from left to right: Connie Root, Ben Korman, Allison Schepers, Victor Nguyen, Jake Chaffee, Elizabeth Laswell, Amy Parker and Nicole Pearl.

The importance of having student pharmacist participation in advocacy efforts is never more apparent than after an event such as Pharmacy Day at the Capitol. This event, which took place on Sept. 9, 2014, allows students to interact with legislators throughout the day and provides an opportunity for future pharmacists to educate lawmakers and their staffs on issues important to the pharmacy profession. This is one of the many things I love about Pharmacy Day at the Capitol! The opportunity for students to spend valuable one-on-one time with legislators and speak with them about key issues in pharmacy is huge. Students can see first-hand that their legislators are not intimidating, unapproachable individuals who lock themselves away in an office somewhere. Instead, students can see that their legislators are dedicated, passionate individuals who care about the people they serve and truly want to hear about their constituents’ concerns.

I was fortunate enough to meet my State Senator while trying to recruit legislators to come over and see the skills and expo tent on the Capitol lawn. Senator John Moolenaar (R-Midland) was more than happy to stop for a moment and speak with me. He seemed genuinely happy to meet me and told me that if I had any concerns or if I needed anything to feel free to contact his office. While speaking with him, I had somewhat of an epiphany; this was my State Senator taking time out of his day to speak with me, and I truly felt that the issues and concerns that I have, when voiced to him, would be well received and responded to. This exchange is just one example of many like it that take place during Pharmacy Day at the Capitol. Legislators seek out students, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from their districts during this event. They want to be involved and want us to feel that we can be involved as well.

As student pharmacists, we represent the future of the profession so the things that we believe in, and ultimately advocate for, will help shape what the profession looks like going forward. By taking the time and speaking with those who represent our voice, we give ourselves the best opportunity to have an impact on changes that we want to see in our profession. I truly believe that if you don’t like something you should change it, so if we don’t like something or want to expand our profession, we need to take steps to transform it into the ideal result. How will we ever do this if we don’t advocate for this change to the people who can help us carry it out? We need to have a voice, have an opinion and not be afraid to share our concerns with those who are really listening!